Riverside
Police Department
Press Release

For Immediate Release

Date

November 30, 2000

Contact

Police Chief Russ Leach
Laurie Payne, Communications Officer

Phone

(909) 826-5940

City Officials praised for cooperation
with State Department of Justice

Riverside, Ca- City officials announced today
that discussions are continuing with the California State Department of Justice
(DOJ) regarding the investigation of the Cityís Police Department. The State
department has complimented Riverside for its cooperation with investigators and
providing necessary information. City representatives have met on three
occasions with DOJ officials to discuss the investigation and review responses
of the Police Department.

"We have cooperated fully with the investigation
conducted by the State Attorney Generalís office," stated newly appointed
Riverside Police Chief Russ Leach. "We have been open in providing
information to assist them in their investigation."

Along with information related to the operations of the
Police Department, the city has provided extensive background on the many steps
taken to improve the department operations over the last two years. Changes such
as the Community Police Review Commission, recruitment and other recommendations
from the Mayorís Use of Force Panel have been implemented.

"Compared to other cities nationwide, the City of
Riverside has taken reform seriously," continued Chief Leach. "The
Mayor and City Council here have done an excellent job of looking at operational
changes that needed to be made and committed the necessary resources to
improving operations."